With his new title, Flash, Lenny Kravitz makes his mark in a new arena of the creative arts. During his childhood, Kravitz was enthralled by cameras, playing with them like toys instead of taking photographs. In recent years photographer friends taught him the fundamentals of photography by using a Leica. Intrigued by the possibilities, Kravitz began creating his own works, featuring close attention to the nuances and effects created by light. As he himself had been endlessly photographed by photographers, paparazzi, and fans—his perspective on aesthetics was decidedly unique. In Flash, he captures the essence of what it’s like to be a rock star who’s constantly in the public eye. The result: an intense exploration of the photographer and his subject.

Lenny dropped by the Guitar Center Manhattan Platinum Room to talk about his musical experiences; what continues to drive him to play and create; and the genesis of his latest album #STRUT. Check out the full interview below: